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Americans' Drinking Remains at Record Low: Gallup Poll

26 points · 41 comments · randycupertino

  1. bentt · · focus · HN ↗
    There are so many other ways to self medicate now! Why be a lonely drunk when you can be a social media trolling energy drink swilling porn addicted sports gambler
    1. brink · · focus · HN ↗
      One of the reasons people don't drink anymore is because they don't go out with their friends that much.

      We're a very lonely generation.

      1. garciasn · · focus · HN ↗
        1. Hangovers are awful.

        2. There are viable alternatives (THC; mocktails; 0.5%/0% beer that is drinkable).

        3. The Third Place is dead and people don't socialize as much anymore.

        4. Economic conditions are abysmal and directly affect prices and extra money to spend.

        1. idontwantthis · · focus · HN ↗
          I really don’t get this “third place” thing. People can still just go do stuff like they always could. Clubs, teams, community events all still exist.
          1. Analemma_ · · focus · HN ↗
            I've starting thinking that the constant use of "there are no third places anymore!" is more cope and deflection of blame than an actual description of reality, often from people who want to use The Man or The System as a scapegoat for their own lack of socialization. There are still tons of third places, people are choosing to stay home instead of using them.
            1. idontwantthis · · focus · HN ↗
              It's the same with "The Village" when deciding not to have kids. Everyone is allowed to move back to their hometown, or ask family to move closer. It's not always simple to do, but it's a choice people make not to.
              1. garciasn · · focus · HN ↗
                I could take a $200,000/annual pay cut to move back to my hometown and live in an area devoid of things to do; but, you're right: I chose to move away and live somewhere that offered my children things I did not have and thus choose not to do that. I am also not sure how I could have my parents make the choice to live in an area that's more egalitarian and diverse; however, you're right, again: they choose not to.
                1. idontwantthis · · focus · HN ↗
                  If you have the privilege of a $200k delta then you have the middle ground of buying your parents a house near you.
                  1. garciasn · · focus · HN ↗
                    I already pay for the house I no longer live in but my ex-wife does as well as my own with a 7.6% APR. But, them not having a house has nothing to do w/it; they don't want to live somewhere like this.

                    Thanks for the idea though!

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